How often to Test Emergency Lighting

MAINTAINING YOUR EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM

A guide on How often to test Emergency Lighting.

There are several different types of emergency lighting, and CSE Electrical provides all of them. Our team can also maintain your system and install your emergency lighting solutions. This includes both “non-maintained” and “maintained” fittings.

• Maintained Emergency Lighting – This system works on a standard light fitting, and it connects and gets controlled with your other lights altogether. When the power fails, this lighting keeps working at a lower lighting level. Maintenance is required.

• Non-Maintained Emergency Lighting – Normally, these lights remain off but have a green LED display that shows the batteries are charged. If the power fails, the fitting switches the battery supply on. They don’t connect to the general lighting, and they’re usually used for emergency exit signs.

• Combined Emergency Lighting – Combined emergency lighting has two or more lights. At least one draws power from a normal supply while another draws power from the emergency lighting supply. This system can be both non-maintained or maintained.

• Emergency Escape Lighting – Emergency escape lighting automatically powers on when the normal power supply fails. They give off enough light to allow the occupants to exit or the building safely.
  

Just like any piece of emergency equipment, you must test and maintain your emergency lighting solutions to ensure they’re in good working order. How often you maintain your lighting system depends on your system, but as a general guide, you should consider:

DAILY EMERGENCY LIGHTING TEST

Check for operation. A simple walk around and visual check for illuminated neon indicator lamps.

MONTHLY TEST

A quick monthly test is a good idea will tell you if everything is functioning at peak levels. This is a short functional test in accordance with BS EN 50172:2004 / BS 5266-8:2004. Make sure that each of your emergency lights powers on when you switch your main power off. Check over the casings to make sure there are no signs of damage or dirt. Restore the main system’s power and check that your emergency system is fully charging. Get a logbook and keep a record of your results. If you notice failures, fix them as soon as you can.

SIX MONTHLY EMERGENCY LIGHTING TEST

Test of at least one hour for a three hour rated system.

ANNUAL TEST

You must schedule a full test of your emergency lighting solutions at least once every year. If your system is supposed to give you three full hours of light when the mains power goes off, the test has to last for at least three hours.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER PERFORMING YOUR TESTS?

To decide on the best time to perform your system test, there are a few factors you want to keep in mind, including:



• Risk factor - After you have tested your emergency systems, your building is vulnerable as the system’s battery may be depleted. Aim to test your systems at a low risk time. For many businesses, this is outside of normal work hours. Can you phase the testing if you have permanent occupants in the building, for example in a hospital or apartment block? Do you have temporary arrangements in place until your emergency system’s batteries recharge?

• Effectiveness  - Make sure your test will deliver reliable results. As an example, testing your lighting system in broad daylight might not be a good idea because you won’t be able to gauge its efficiency.  Convenience. Consider the time that is most convenient for your company or facility. If you need to carry out fire alarm system maintenance, for example, consider testing your emergency lighting system at the same time.